It is not a question of if you need van racking; it is about what type. Cost, weight, durability, safety, versatility (and appearance) – if you are on the fence between metal van racking and wood van racking, these are the key factors you need to consider. To help you, we have put together this comprehensive comparison between wood and metal racking for vans.
WOOD AND METAL VAN RACKING ─ A COMPARISON
Choosing van racking is an important decision. Metal and wood van racking both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Answering questions about frequency of use, load weight, size, and fragility of the cargo will help you determine the type of van racking that best fits your van fleet.
Cost
Many tradesmen opt for wood van racking simply because it’s relatively cheaper than metal racking. Not only is wood is a cheaper material, it can also be more affordable because it’s less versatile. The possibilities in function and style are relatively limited compared to metal. A metal van racking system is much more versatile.
And there are a number of other factors, like weight, durability and safety. These additional factors are covered below.
Weight
It seems obvious that wooden van racking should be lighter than metal van racking. But, while wood is a more lightweight material than steel (as it is less dense), it does not have the same loading capacity. You would therefore need a lot more wood than metal to create a van racking system with an equal level of loading capacity, safety, and stability.
Also, without proper treatment, wood can absorb moisture and fluids, increasing its density and, as a result, its weight.
Weight is a key factor to consider for several reasons:
- The payload of a van is its gross weight, which can often be legally limited. Loading a van above its payload can result in heavy fines. A heavy van racking set-up may, in other words, restrict what tools, equipment, and material you can carry in the van.
- Fuel consumption increases the heavier the vehicle is, which is bad for your company’s expenditure and the environment.
- More dangerous in the event of a crash.
Durability
While wood is relatively durable, it has a few glaring weaknesses that not only make wooden van racking less durable, but also reduce its lifespan. Wood is susceptible to fire and insect damage and can absorb moisture, which may cause it to rot.
Metal van shelving and racking systems are also much easier to clean than systems made out of wood.
Safety
Safety is undoubtedly the most important factor and should be prioritised above all. We’ve already established that metal racking for vans is not only lighter, thus minimising the consequences in case of a crash, it also more durable than wooden van racking.
The next important aspect is how metal and wooden van racking breaks. With enough force, wood can disintegrate or snap, resulting in the equipment and van racking itself flying around the cargo space, damaging the van and other equipment, and potentially bursting through the partition. On the other hand, metal van racking requires much greater force to break than wood. Where wood breaks, metal bends instead.
The best tip we can give you is to buy crash-tested van racking. As it happens, wood van racking is rarely crash-tested because it is often a DIY-project.
Versatility
Wooden van racking is, as mentioned, tailored for the specific van ─ both an advantage and disadvantage. It is advantageous because it creates a van racking set-up that is perfectly adapted to the user’s needs and requirements. On the other had, you cannot move the van racking if you switch vans.
In comparison, modular metal van shelving and racking systems can easily be moved between vans due to their universal design, which can be complemented with additional van racking if you move to a bigger van, or replaced if you want or need a different setup.
Appearance
Last but not least, appearance. While often not considered as important as the other five, it is nonetheless a factor worth considering.
From a pure design aspect, we believe metal van racking is better. It gives a wholly different professional appearance than wooden van racking. It is an investment in your branding, showing the customer that you take extra care of your van and your working tools.
More than 500,000 van users across the UK and Europe trust in System Edström van racking.
System Edström offers the market’s most flexible vehicle racking systems for mobile craftsmen.
In developing our van racking system, we focus on the best quality, the highest levels of safety and unbeatable adaptability.
System Edström van racking system features
- Van racking, accessories, lighting systems and security
- Fully crash-tested vehicle racking for peace of mind
- End-to-end service, from design to fitting
- In-house livery and graphics service
- ISO accredited
Why more than 500,000 van users across the UK and Europe trust in System Edström van racking solutions
Over 60 years’ experience
With more than 60 years’ experience in the business, we know van racking solutions .
Made in Sweden
Our van racking solutions and complementary products are designed, developed and manufactured in Sweden – a byword for quality.
Five-year warranty
All our vehicle racking systems and products come with a five-year warranty, when fitted by a System Edström approved installer.
Safety first
We crash-test all our van racking systems and products in the UK and Europe to ECE 17-07 and iNRS NS286 standards.
Quality and versatility
Thanks to the extraordinary versatility of our products, we guarantee you a van racking system tailored to you, your vehicle and your needs. We help you make the best use of the space available in your van, keeping your tools and equipment organised, secure and easy to find.
All our products and vehicle racking are crash-tested at the independent, state-owned RISE institute in Sweden.
We also offer a range of accessories to complement our van racking systems such as safety products, lighting, power supplies and more. Visit our accessories section to find out more. Alternatively, simply call us or speak to one of our dealers for help with your racking system.
Contact us for more details!
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7 Cronin Road,
Weldon South Industrial Estate.
Corby, Northamptonshire.
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